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Google not working

I ran into a curious problem trying to use Google search. Found a solution. But not certain what caused the problem.

When I tried to refine a search (modify text in their search text box) the browser would not refresh on hitting return or their search button. I had to enter the updated search in the Firefox search control (at top right).

The problem did not occur when using IE 8 or Google Chrome. And I did not have the submit problems with other web sites.

I tried re-installing Firefox while maintaining bookmarks, passwords, history, but that did not fix the problem.

However when I completely uninstalled Firefox and then performed a clean installed the Google search page worked as expected.

It is possible that I had some malware, specifically the Flash exploit, as Firefox is my primary browser. I am not certain and only guessing Figure I should pass on my experience in case others run into the same problem.

I ran into a curious problem trying to use Google search. Found a solution. But not certain what caused the problem.
When I tried to refine a search (modify text in their search text box) the browser would not refresh on hitting return or their search button. I had to enter the updated search in the Firefox search control (at top right).
The problem did not occur when using IE 8 or Google Chrome. And I did not have the submit problems with other web sites.
I tried re-installing Firefox while maintaining bookmarks, passwords, history, but that did not fix the problem.
However when I completely uninstalled Firefox and then performed a clean installed the Google search page worked as expected.
It is possible that I had some malware, specifically the Flash exploit, as Firefox is my primary browser. I am not certain and only guessing Figure I should pass on my experience in case others run into the same problem.
My solution was:
0. Make certain have all login/passwords for websites.
1. Export my bookmarks to the JSON file.
2. Uninstall Firefox with "Remove my Firefox personal data and customizations" checked.
3. Re-install Firefox using fresh download.
4. Import bookmarks
5. Restore Add-ons.
6. Download Flash 10.1 and install (NOTE: Checked for but no additional add-on following this install)
Then Google search pages worked as expected.

Chosen solution

Your above posted system details show outdated plugin(s) with known security and stability risks.

If you didn't delete the Firefox program folder then chances that it was malware are less. Most malware would survive deleting only the profile folder and in such cases a new profile could have helped as well.

Application

More Information

o Firefox is 3.6.8.Add-ons:o ColorZilla 2.0.2o Flashblock 1.5.13o Microsoft .NET Framework Assistant 1.1o NoScript 2.0.2.5NOTE: There was one other add-on for Adobe DRM from a Flash upgrade (IIRC). Sorry, but I neglected to document that particular add-on prior to uninstall.

If you didn't delete the Firefox program folder then chances that it was malware are less. Most malware would survive deleting only the profile folder and in such cases a new profile could have helped as well.

Your above posted system details show outdated plugin(s) with known security and stability risks.
*Java Plug-in 1.4.2_10 for Netscape Navigator (DLL Helper)
Update the [[Java]] plugin to the latest version.
*http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp (Java Platform: Download JRE)
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If you didn't delete the Firefox program folder then chances that it was malware are less. Most malware would survive deleting only the profile folder and in such cases a new profile could have helped as well.
See [[Basic Troubleshooting]]